Ukraine's air defence falters under relentless Russian missile onslaught
As of May 2023, Ukrainian air defence intercepted about 80 percent of Russian missiles. A year later, the situation has dramatically deteriorated, with Kyiv grappling with increased attacks on its cities and villages. Ukraine is urgently pleading with Western allies for air defence systems and munitions, essential for protecting its people.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian air defence succeeded in intercepting only 30 percent of the missiles launched by Russian forces in The past month.
Moreover, the Ukrainian air defence forces averaged a missile interception rate of 46 percent over the last six months. This represents a stark decline from the previous six months when the success rate was 73 percent.
However, the situation is somewhat brighter when it comes to drones. WSJ reports that drones' air defence efficiency rate has barely changed, dropping by merely 1 percent to an average of 82 percent over the past six months.
As WSJ highlights, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are depleting their ammunition stockpiles for Patriot systems, which have been crucial in defending against such assaults.
Kyiv appeals to the West for immediate assistance
Ukraine's calls to Western allies for air defence systems and ammunition have become more urgent, especially as Russians adapt their tactics. Now, they launch more comprehensive attacks, simultaneously employing ballistic, maneuvering, and hypersonic missiles.
The advanced Western air defence systems and the required ammunition are critical to Ukraine. This includes long-range systems like the Patriot and Iris-T but also smaller setups capable of countering missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian urban centers.
